Multifunctional handpiece for use in open and laparoscopic laser surgery and electrosurgery

ABSTRACT

A manual and automatic fluid control system and method for use in open and laparoscopic laser surgery and electrosurgery is disclosed. The system includes a manual mode along with several automatic modes which can effectuate both suction and irrigation, either individually or simultaneously. In the various automatic modes, the suction and/or irrigation is automatically activated during activation of a medical apparatus for laser surgery or electrosurgery without requiring separate activation from the surgeon or operating room staff. Several safety features for monitoring the fluid control system are also incorporated within the system such as fluid sensors for detecting the absence of irrigation fluid, pressure sensors and vacuum systems for monitoring fluid pressure, fluid sensors for monitoring fluid volume, and warning signals for detecting empty containers. All of the safety features are designed to automatically deactivate suction and/or irrigation means contained within the fluid control system upon detection of unsafe levels. Finally, specially designed suction/irrigation hand pieces are disclosed for use in connection with the fluid control system.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/192,887, filed Nov. 16, 1998 and entitled “AUTOMATIC FLUIDCONTROL SYSTEM FOR USE IN OPEN AND LAPAROSCOPIC LASER SURGERY ANDELECTROSURGERY AND METHOD THEREFOR”, which is a continuation applicationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/713,447, filed Sep. 13, 1996 andentitled “AUTOMATIC FLUID CONTROL SYSTEM FOR USE IN OPEN ANDLAPAROSCOPIC LASER SURGERY AND ELECTROSURGERY AND METHOD THEREFOR”,which application issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,909 on Nov. 17, 1998.This patent application is also related to my earlier patents entitled“AUTOMATIC SMOKE EVACUATOR SYSTEM FOR A SURGICAL LASER APPARATUS ANDMETHOD THEREFOR” issued Apr. 6, 1993 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,944 and“TELESCOPIC SURGICAL DEVICE AND METHOD THEREFOR” issued Dec. 2, 1997 asU.S. Pat. No. 5,693,044. Both issued patents are herein incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an automatic fluid controlsystem and method and suction/irrigation hand pieces which are designedto be used in conjunction with the automatic fluid control system andmethod. More particularly, the present invention relates to an automaticfluid control system and method which can effectuate both suction andirrigation, either individually or simultaneously, and which has are-useable pump that can deliver high pressure and high flow suction andirrigation which are required during open and laparoscopic laser surgeryand electrosurgery procedures.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In the past, suction/irrigation units have functioned by applying airpressure on water containers, wherein the water is being used for fluidirrigation, in order to force the water to be pressurized. A trumpetvalve was used to release the water under relative pressure forlaparoscopic procedures. These devices operated under low pressure dueto the risk of exploding the irrigation containers in the event that toomuch pressure was applied. Consequently, both the water pressure andwater flow associated with those devices were low. Further, the trumpetvalve associated with these devices is relatively hard to handle becauseof the strong springs that are necessary to enable the valves tofunction.

Another suction/irrigation device has been designed to include adisposable electric pump. This design is an improved version of thepreviously described design but is very expensive in that the pump isdisposable. Further, the pump is battery operated and very small,thereby resulting in inadequate flow and pressure to obtain goodirrigation during hydro-dissection. A modified version of the trumpetvalve is also used, but it is hard to handle and expensive.

None of the previously described suction/irrigation units and trumpetvalves are capable of performing irrigation and suction simultaneously.Simultaneous suction and irrigation would reduce the operating time-andgreatly improve the visibility of the tissue for the operator. Inaddition, electrosurgery was not possible with the trumpet valve, and a,special device had to be used which further increased the cost peroperation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a principle object of the present invention to provide a fluidcontrol system and method which is capable of effectuating both suctionand irrigation, both individually and simultaneously, and which has areusable pump that can deliver high pressure and high flow forsuction/irrigation and hydro-dissection.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automaticfluid control system and method that will automatically employ suctionand/or irrigation for a desired time period, where suction and/orirrigation are necessary, without requiring separate activation from thesurgeon or operating room staff.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide anautomatic fluid control system and method that is safe and easy to useand which is capable of monitoring the water pressure, the vacuum, andthe volume of fluid entering into, and being evacuated from, the patientin order to automatically turn the system off when the pressure or thevacuum exceed the desired limits.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide anautomatic fluid control system and method wherein both suction andirrigation can be operated either separately or simultaneously, andeither manually or automatically.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a fluidcontrol system and method which can separately perform Cysto Turp bybeing activated either automatically and/or manually and which measuresand monitors the fluid volume and/or fluid flow into, and out of, thepatient such that the irrigation pump is automatically deactivated whenfluid inflow exceeds fluid outflow. Another safety feature forperforming Cysto Turp includes means for monitoring fluid pressurewherein the irrigation pump is automatically deactivated upon reaching adangerously high fluid pressure level.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a handpiece which can be used in conjunction with the automatic fluid controlsystem and method of the present invention and which will replace thetrumpet valve of previous devices. The hand piece of the presentinvention combined with the automatic fluid control system of thepresent invention can be used to perform laparoscopic and openprocedures while employing suction and irrigation either separately orsimultaneously. The combined hand piece and automatic fluid controlsystem and method of the present invention can also be used to performopen or laparoscopic electrosurgery and smoke evacuation. Further, thehand piece may comprise a retractable electrode which enables theelectrode to be retracted within the channel for suction and/orirrigation so that the suction and/or irrigation port will be clear ofobstruction. This can be evidenced by attaching the automatic fluidcontrol system of the present invention to the telescopic surgicaldevice described in my previous patent application entitled “ATelescopic Surgical Device and Method Therefor”, Serial No. 08/500,045.This telescopic surgical device includes switches which can be used forturning the suction and irrigation “on” and “off”. Combining thetelescopic surgical device with the automatic fluid control system ofthe present invention will result in making the telescopic surgicaldevice a multi functional hand piece thereby enabling it to handle bothopen and laparoscopic electrosurgery, both open and laparoscopic argonbeam coagulation, and suction/irrigation for both open and laparoscopicprocedures.

Accordingly, the automatic fluid control system of the present inventionis first directed to a manual fluid control system for surgical lasersand electrosurgery apparatus, for both open and laparoscopic procedures,which includes at least one fluid irrigation container, irrigationtubing connected to the fluid irrigation container, a valve connected tothe irrigation tubing for accessing the irrigation fluid in thecontainer, means for pumping the irrigation fluid through the tubing toa surgery site within a patient, suction tubing connected to asuctioning container, and means for suctioning fluids through thesuction tubing from the surgery site in the patient.

A second embodiment of the fluid control system of the present inventionis directed to an automatic fluid control system for surgical lasers andelectrosurgery apparatus, for both open and laparoscopic procedures,which includes at least one fluid irrigation container, an irrigationtubing connected to the irrigation container, a valve connected to theirrigation tubing for accessing the irrigation fluid within thecontainer, means for employing a surgical device, means for irrigatingthe irrigation fluid through the irrigation tubing to a site of thesurgical device wherein the irrigation means is connected to thesurgical device employment means such that the irrigation means isactivated upon deactivation of the surgical device, a suction tubingconnected to a suction container, and means for suctioning fluid from apatient through the suction tubing at the site of the surgical devicewherein the suctioning means is connected to the irrigation means suchthat the suctioning means is activated upon deactivation of theirrigation means. Further, a third embodiment of the fluid controlsystem of the present invention is directed to an automatic fluidcontrol system for surgical lasers and electrosurgery apparatus, forboth open and laparoscopic procedures, as that previously described withreference to the second embodiment, with the exception that theirrigation means is activated upon deactivation of the surgical deviceand the suctioning means is activated upon activation of the irrigationmeans and then deactivated at a short predetermined time followingdeactivation of the irrigation means. Finally, a fourth embodiment ofthe fluid control system of the present invention is directed to anautomatic fluid control system for surgical lasers and electrosurgeryapparatus, for both open and laparoscopic procedures, such as thatpreviously described with reference to the second embodiment, with theexception that the suctioning means is activated upon activation of thesurgical device employment means and the irrigation means is activatedupon activation of the suctioning means.

All of the previously described embodiments may also include additionalsafety features including, but not limited to, the following: (1) afluid sensor for detecting the presence of irrigation fluid within theirrigation tubing and a safety relay for shutting off the irrigationmeans when irrigation fluid is not present within the irrigation tubing,(2) a pressure sensor connected to the irrigation tubing which is inturn connected to a pressure controller capable of shutting off theirrigation means upon detection of an unsafe fluid pressure level, (3) acontainer controller connected to the safety relay which is capable ofswitching irrigation means from an empty container to another fullcontainer, (4) an alarm element connected to the container controllerwhich activates a voice or warning signal indicating that the presentlyused fluid irrigation container is empty, and (5) a vacuum sensorconnected to the suction tubing having means for disconnecting thesuctioning means and irrigation means upon the detection of an unsafevacuum pressure. The previously described embodiments may also include aflow meter sensor connected to the irrigation tubing and a suction flowmeter sensor connected to the suction tubing wherein signals receivedfrom the flow meter sensor and suction flow meter sensor are receivedand evaluated by a counter which is capable of reporting differences influid flow rates and fluid volumes entering and exiting the patient, andwhich in turn can automatically shut off the irrigation pump upondetecting dangerously high levels.

The objectives, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following moredetailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention madein conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic block diagram of the fluid controlsystem of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a complete schematic block diagram of the automatic fluidcontrol system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a hand piece which is the subject ofmy previous patent application entitled “A Telescopic Surgical Deviceand Method Therefor”, Ser. No. 08/500,045, which can be modified by theinstallation of additional apparatus shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and thencombined with the fluid control apparatus of the present invention, toprovide a complete and efficient fluid control system.

FIG. 4A is a cross sectional view of the suction/irrigation connector ofthe present invention which is designed to be connected between asuction/irrigation tube shown in FIG. 4B and a hand piece such as thatshown in FIG. 3.

FIG 4B shows a cross sectional view of a suction/irrigation tube whereinirrigation and suction can be performed simultaneously.

FIG. 4C is a side elevational view of a suction/irrigation tube whichenables only separate suction or irrigation when used in conjunctionwith the fluid control system of the present invention.

FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of a cap which can be placed over theposterior end of the suction/irrigation connector shown in FIG. 4A whenthe fluid control system is used alone and not in connection with openand laparoscopic electrosurgery.

FIG. 4E is a top elevational view of the resulting hand piece of thepresent invention which includes the connection of a section/irrigationtube to the suction/irrigation connector which is in turn connected to ahand-piece having switches for employing suction and irrigation.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the electrosurgical connector ofthe present invention which is connected to the suction/irrigationconnector at its anterior end, and to the hand piece having on and offswitches at its posterior end, with an electrode inserted throughchannels contained within the electro surgical connector.

FIG. 5B is a top elevational view of an electrosurgery wand comprisingan electrode, the suction/irrigation tube, the suction/irrigationconnector, the electro surgical connector, and the hand piece having onand off switches, all being connected in that order.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Block diagram schematics of the fluid control apparatus and system ofthe present invention are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with a simplifiedversion of the apparatus and system shown in FIG. 1 and a more completeand thorough version of the system and apparatus shown in FIG. 2.

In FIG. 1, irrigation fluid containers 1 and 2 are set above the rest ofthe unit to provide a gravity water drop through tubings 19 and 20. Thisgravity water drop facilitates priming of the pump by eliminating theneed to force the pump to work in order to draw water from a level belowthe height of the pump. The gravity water drop also increases waterpressure and flow since the weight of the water will add pressure to thepressure generated by the pump. Although two separate containers 1 and 2are shown in FIG. 1, the fluid control system of the present inventionmay employ one or several containers.

Tubes 19 and 20 are connected to containers 1 and 2, respectively, andthe fluid flow through tubes 19 and 20 is controlled by valves 3 and 4,respectively. The fluid control apparatus may function with valves 3 and4 in the open position either individually, or simultaneously. The endsof tubes 19 and 20, which are opposite their ends that are connected tocontainers 1 and 2, are attached to a Y connector 21 which is connectedto a single tube 22 which passes through a sensor 5. The sensor 5 willdetect when water is present in the tube 22. If water does not fill thatportion of the tube 22 that is screened by the sensor 5, the sensor willopen contact 6 thereby stopping the pump so that no air is pumped intothe system.

From sensor 5, the water passes through pump 7 whose speed is controlledby pump controller 10. The pressure is controlled by controller 8 whichwill adjust and control the occlusion pressure of the pump 7.

The pump is activated by the switches located on the hand piece, laterdescribed with reference to FIG. 3, which is, represented in FIG. 1 byswitches 14. The hand piece containing switches 14 is plugged intoconnector 13. When the irrigation switch 14 is pressed, relay 11 willclose and the pump will start the irrigation thereby delivering waterthrough tube 9 to the patient. This process happens while suction switch14 is closed.

If an independent wall suction 17 or similar evacuation means isconnected to this system, then the solenoid 16 will open and suctionwill be applied to suction canister 18. As a result of applying suctionto suction canister 18, suction will be produced at the hand pieceadaptor (also termed suction/irrigation connector) at port 72 shown inFIG. 4. Similarly, the irrigation fluid enters port 70 of thesuction/irrigation connector shown in FIG. 4A.

If no wall suction or other independent suction device is available, thesmoke evacuator system and apparatus detailed in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 5,199,944 may be connected to connector 15 shown in FIG. 1.When the suction switch on the automatic smoke evacuator system isactivated, the smoke evacuator will turn on and will produce the suctionnecessary for providing the suctioning means function of the fluidcontrol system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 represents a more complex schematic of the automatic fluidcontrol system of the present invention. The basic principle of thefluid control system described with reference to FIG. 1 is the same asthat shown in FIG. 2 with the exception that the automatic fluid controlsystem described with reference to FIG. 2 includes additionalcapabilities and safety features beyond those contained in the basicunit.

Turning now to FIG. 2, multiple fluid containers 1 and 2 are shown whichwill have a fluid warmer (not shown)for maintaining their pre-warmedfluid temperature. In FIG. 2, manual valves 3 and 4 from FIG. 1 arereplaced by automatic electronic valves which will open automaticallywhen the irrigation is activated. One of the valves will remain closeduntil the fluid is used from the first container. At this time, sensor 5will activate controller 6 and controller 24. Controller 6 will notallow the pump to operate until the fluid is present in the tube. As aresult, controller 24 will switch automatically to the other containerand will activate the alarm or “the voice” 25 or 26 which will announcethrough speaker 27 that the fluid container currently being used isempty and needs to be replaced. Controller 24 opens the valve to thefull container and closes the valve to the empty container. As a result,fluid enters the tube and is detected at sensor 5 thereby allowing thepump to be activated if irrigation is needed.

The fluid control apparatus described in FIG. 2 will work in the manualmode as well as in an automatic mode. The system will have one or moreautomatic modes in addition to a Cysto Turp Mode.

In manual mode, activation of the irrigation function of this system istriggered by closing switch 14B. Switch 14B can be a switch of anelectro surgery unit pencil or any hand piece or foot switch that isdesignated to control the suction and irrigation functions. When switch31 is in the closed position as shown, relay 29 is activated. Manualswitch 31, auto 1 switch 32, auto 2 switch 33, auto 3 switch 34, andCysto Turp switch 35 are connected together and work in conjunction withone another such that when one of the switches is closed, all of theothers remain open. After passing through relay 29, relay 28 isactivated. The current passes through relay 28 with contacts 28B openand contacts 28A closed (in a normal, non-activated position). Afterpassing through relay 28 at contacts 28A, the, current activates relay11 which energizes pump controller 10. Pump controller 10 is activatedif all of the above conditions are met and contact at controller 6 isclosed.

Meanwhile, at the same time relay 29 is activated through controller 24,either valve 3 or 4 will open and allow the irrigation fluid to bedelivered. This design can be modified to allow either valve 3 or 4 tostay continuously open until the irrigation fluid from its respectivecontainer is completely used up. Controller 24 will then switch to theother valve and open it to allow the irrigation fluid to flow throughthe tubing and be delivered to the patient.

The suction function of the fluid control system and apparatus isactivated when switch 14A is closed. Again, considering manual switch 31is closed and conditions are met, solenoid 16 is opened and allows forsuction to be applied to suction canister 18. Suction canister 18 isconnected to the patient via tubing which is connected to the hand pieceof the electro surgery unit pencil that is being used for operation onthe patient. When solenoid 16 is opened, a vacuum will be created insuction canister 18 thereby drawing fluid away from the patient and intothe suction canister 18. The flow can be adjusted with flow adjust 51.

If a wall unit suction or other independent suctioning means is notavailable for use with the fluid control apparatus, the automatic smokeevacuator system previously described in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 5,199,944 may be used for providing a suctioning means. If theautomatic smoke evacuator system is used for suction, it is connected toconnector 15. Switch 47 will then be in the automatic smoke evacuatorsystem position and when suction is activated, relay 30 is energized andthe automatic smoke evacuator system will be activated in order toperform the suction.

Turning now to automatic mode 1, when auto 1 switch 32 is depressed, themanual switch 31 will open and sensor connector 19 will be included inthe circuit. The electro surgery unit radio frequency sensor, which isdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 5,318,516, which is hereinincorporated by reference, can be placed in connector 19. A lasersensor, which is a light sensor with sensitivity to infrared, or asensor for fiber optics used with lasers such as YAG, KTP, etc., whichis clamped over a portion of the fiber and isolated from the externallight is installed on the foot switch. When the laser is activated, thesensor will activate the automatic smoke evacuator system or fluidcontrol system. Any of these sensors may be connected and used with thesystem of the present invention, thereby enabling a signal to bereceived by connector 19 when one of the surgical apparata areactivated.

The first time delay solid state relay 42 is energized but not activatedbecause this time delay solid state relay will activate only when thesurgical device is deactivated and the signal is turned off. The signalfrom the first time delay relay 42 will travel to the two contacts 32 aand 32 b at the auto 1 switch 32. The signal will proceed from contact32 a to relay 29 which will then become activated and ultimatelyactivate the irrigation pump just like the procedure previously outlinedin reference with the manual mode. The time duration for the first timedelay is adjusted by adjusting potentiometer 48.

The signal through contact 32 b at auto 1 switch 32 will be delivered toa second time delay solid state relay 44, which is the same as the firsttime delay solid state relay 42, and will be energized but not activateduntil the signal is removed. The signal will be removed when thesurgical device (laser or ESU) is deactivated. At this time, irrigationwill be activated and remain on until the time period designated byadjusting potentiometer 48 has passed, the end of which time period willalso be when the irrigation will stop. At this time, the third timedelay solid state relay 44 will be activated thereby activating thesuction just as previously described with reference to the manual mode.As a result, in automatic mode 1, the irrigation will turn on when theelectro surgical device or laser is deactivated and the suction willturn on when the irrigation stops. The suction will start at the timethat the suction is triggered “ON” after irrigation is off and will beon for a period of time determined by adjustment by adjustingpotentiometer 49.

In automatic mode 2, auto 2 switch 33 is depressed and contacts 33A and33B will be in the ON position and all other switches will be in the OFFposition. The signal is outputted from sensor 19 and is delivered to thefirst time delay solid state relay at the IN gate. The output signalfrom the first time delay solid state relay 42 will travel from the OUTgate and through auto 2 switch 33. As the signal travels through contact33A of auto 2 switch 33, irrigation is activated in the same way aspreviously described with reference to automatic mode 1. Morespecifically, the signal passing through contact 33A will proceed tosolid state relay 29 which will activate the irrigation pump in the sameway as described with reference to the previously described manual mode.

The output signal from the OUT gate of the first time delay solid staterelay 42 will also pass through contact point 33B which will deliver thesignal to the IN gate of the second time delay solid state relay 43 andactivate the second time delay solid state relay 43. The second timedelay solid state relay 43 will be activated at the same time that theirrigation is activated. However, when the irrigation is deactivated,the suction will run a few seconds longer than the irrigation. This timedifference between irrigation shut off and suction shut off is adjustedby time adjust potentiometer 50.

Turning now to automatic mode 3, the signal from sensor connector 19will reach auto 3 switch 34 which will be depressed in the ON positionwhile all other switches remain in the OFF position. The signaloutputted from sensor connector 19 passes through connection point 34Aof the auto 3 switch 34 and is received from the IN gate of second timedelay solid state relay 43. The output signal is outputted from the OUTgate of second time delay solid state relay 43 and will be activated atthe same time that surgical devices, such as the electro surgery unitand laser, are activated. This output signal for suction will run forthe same time period that the surgical device is employed plus an extratime period which is adjusted by adjusting potentiometer 50. The signaloutputted from the OUT gate of third time delay solid state relay 43will activate the suction means at the same time that the irrigationmeans is activated through connection point 34B of the auto 3 switch 34.The signal passes through connector point 34B to relay 29 therebyactivating the irrigation means in the same way as previously describedwith reference to the manual mode. Due to the additional safety featuresof the automatic fluid control apparatus, automatic mode 3 can be usedfor surgery under water or for Cysto Turp thereby making it much saferfor the patient.

The fluid control system and apparatus of the present invention isespecially useful for under water surgery in that the water level ismaintained by continuously replacing the suction water with freshirrigation water thereby greatly enhancing visibility for the operator.The irrigation flow and volume are continually monitored by flow metersensor 23 and suction flow meter sensor 22. Signals from flow metersensor 23 and suction flow meter sensor 22 are received by counter 45and the difference in fluid flow rates and fluid volume pumped in andtaken out of the patient is reported and displayed on light emitterdiode (LED) 46.

The safety of the automatic fluid control apparatus and method of thepresent invention is further improved by the inclusion of pressuresensor 38 which senses the fluid pressure of the irrigation fluid priorto delivery to the patient. The irrigation fluid pressure is read by thepressure sensor 38. Pressure controller 36 will activate relay 6 in theevent that the pressure exceeds the safety limits which are set byadjusting potentiometer 37. When pressure controller 36 activates relay6, the irrigation pump is turned off thereby avoiding delivery of theirrigation fluid at an unsafe pressure.

The suction function of the fluid control system and apparatus of thepresent invention is monitored by vacuum sensor 40. When a signal isemitted from vacuum sensor 40 it is transmitted to relay 41 which inturn will turn off the suction by opening contact point 41B of relay 41,and turn off irrigation by closing contact 41A of relay 41. Closingcontact 41A of relay 41 will in turn activate relay 6 (the pump safetyrelay) thereby stopping the pump. This vacuum sensor feature willeliminate pressure build-up relating to the irrigation function of thefluid control system and apparatus thereby enabling automatic mode 3 tobe safely used for Cysto Turp. The automatic mode 3 and/or manual modecan also be used for wound care with paper hand piece attachments.

The final mode for the automatic fluid control, system and apparatus ofthe present invention is CYSTO TURP mode. Cysto Turp Mode is activatedby Cysto Turp switch 35 having contact points 35A and 35B. When CystoTurp switch 35 is activated in the ON position, all other switches arein the OFF position.

When sensor 19 is activated, the signal emitted from sensor 19 istransmitted through Cysto Turp switch 35 which is closed. Contact point35A of Cysto Turp switch 35 enables the signal to pass directly to apoint of activation for suction. Meanwhile, the signal also passesthrough contact point 35B of Cysto Turp switch 35 and proceeds toactivate relay 28 which in turn disconnects relay 11 and the irrigationpump. However, after passing through relay 28, the signal is transmittedto, and activates, relay 24 which will open either solenoid valve 3 or 4thereby allowing the fluid to bypass the pump and undergo agravitational flow. In this case, the irrigation fluid will be sucked bythe suction which will help the flow of the irrigation fluid that wouldotherwise be determined by gravity only. This type of suction/irrigationflow will be very safe for Cysto Turp procedures where fluid pressure isof the utmost importance in carrying out a successful procedure.

Finally, with reference to FIG. 2 there is shown a connector 20 thatwill be used for connecting an automatic electrode retractor forsuction/irrigation with an electro surgery unit electrode attachment.Relay 21 will automatically retract the electrode when suction isactivated with the suction/irrigation device so that the electrode willnot be in the way of the suction tip. This retraction of the electrodeis reversed, and will further lock the exposed electrode in place, whenelectro surgery is employed. This automatic retraction and reversal wasperformed manually in the prior art.

Turning now to FIG. 3, there is shown a hand piece 50 which is describedin patent application Ser. No. 08/500,045 entitled “A TelescopicSurgical Device and Method Therefor”. A new application for hand piece50 is created by removing the telescopic portion (not shown) of handpiece 50 thereby revealing a threaded receiver 52 at its anterior endwhich can be used for receiving attachments later described in referenceto FIGS. 4 and 5. In its previously described application, hand piece 50comprised an activation switch for cutting, an activation switch forcoagulation, and an activation switch for argon beam coagulation.However, when used with the fluid control system and apparatus in itsnew application, the cutting activation switch 54 of the hand piece isnow used to activate suction while the coagulation activation switch 56is now used to activate irrigation. Connector 60 of hand piece 50 isplugged into connector 13 of the fluid control apparatus shown in FIGS.1 and 2.

FIG. 4A illustrates suction/irrigation connector (adaptor) 62 which isspecially designed for application with the fluid control system andapparatus of the present invention, and will replace the trumpet valveused with other suction/irrigation systems and apparata previouslydescribed in reference to the prior art. The suction/irrigationconnector (adaptor) 62 can be used with an external tube, such as thoseshown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, connected at its anterior end, oralternatively, the suction/irrigation connector (adaptor) 62 may beconnected at its posterior end to hand piece 50 shown in FIG. 3. Port 70functions as the irrigation connector which will be connected to tubing9 extending from the irrigation pump and fluid containers as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. On the other hand, port 72 functions as the suctionconnector which is connected to suction tubing coming from the suctioncanister 18 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The suction/irrigation connector (adaptor) 62 comprises a femalethreaded portion 74 located at its posterior end for connecting handpiece 50, shown in FIG. 3, to the suction/irrigation connector (adaptor)62. Threaded male connector portion 76 is located at the anterior end ofthe suction/irrigation connector(adaptor) 62 for connection to anexternal tube such as those shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C. Thesuction/irrigation connector (adaptor) 62 further includes a firstwidened channel 78 which is continuous with a second narrow channel 80,with the second narrow channel 80 ending in exit port 82. Thesuction/irrigation connector (adaptor) 62 also comprises a protuberance84 which functions to retain a cap element 85, a cross section of whichis shown in FIG. 4D, over exit port 82 and female threaded portion 74 inorder to guard against fluid leaks while the fluid is under pressure.

FIG. 4B shows a suction/irrigation tube 86 which functions to enablesuction and irrigation to occur simultaneously. The suction/irrigationtube 86 comprises a first hollow tube 88 contained within a second,larger hollow tube 90, wherein the posterior end 92 of the first hollowtube 88 extends beyond the posterior end of the second, larger hollowtube 90. The second, larger hollow tube 90 further comprises a femaleconnector 94 located at its posterior end and a plurality ofcircumferentially positioned openings 96 positioned about its taperedanterior end.

In use, female connector 94 of suction/irrigation tube 86 is connectedto male threaded portion 76 of suction/irrigation connector (adaptor)62. Posterior end 92 of first hollow tube 88 is seated within widenedchannel 78 and narrow channel 80 such that the irrigation channel isseparated from the suction channel. First hollow tube 88 is containedwithin the hollow anterior of the second larger, hollow tube 90. Thering-like channel created by the configuration of first hollow tube 88and second larger, hollow tube 90 functions to contain and direct thesuction which is performed with the fluid control system and apparatusof the present invention. The multiple circumferentially positionedopenings 96 located at the anterior end of suction/irrigation tube 86function to allow the suction to access the fluid. Meanwhile, irrigationfluid travels through the center of first hollow tube 88 and is emittedfrom opening 98 located at the anterior end of suction/irrigation tube86. This unique configuration of the suction/irrigation connector(adaptor) 62 and suction/irrigation tube 86 enable suction andirrigation to be performed either separately or simultaneously.

Another embodiment of suction/irrigation tube 86 shown in FIG. 4B isillustrated in FIG. 4C. More specifically, suction/irrigation tube 100comprises a posterior end having a male connector 102 and an anteriorend having a plurality of circumferentially positioned openings 104.Female connector 102 is connected to threaded male portion 76 ofsuction/irrigation connector (adaptor) 62. However, withsuction/irrigation tube 100, suction and irrigation cannot be performedsimultaneously, and must be employed separately.

FIG. 4E illustrates a top elevational view of the specially designedhand piece for use in conjunction with the fluid control system andapparatus of the present invention. The specially designed hand piececomprises a suction/irrigation tube 86, which may be telescopic, whichis connected to suction/irrigation connector (adaptor) 62, which isconnected to hand piece 50 which was previously described with referenceto FIG. 3.

A cross sectional view of an electro surgical connector 110 is shown inFIG. 5. Electro surgical connector 110 comprises a first housing member112, a second housing member 114, which is seated within the posteriorend of first housing member 112, and a third housing member 116 which isconnected at its anterior end to the posterior end of second housingmember 114. Third housing member 116 comprises an anterior end 118, aposterior end 120, a conductive channel 122 running from its anteriorend 118 to its posterior end 120, and a connector 124 which will beconnected through an electrical cord to an electro surgical generatorfor activation using a foot switch. Third housing member 116 alsocomprises threaded female connector portion 126 and contacts 128 locatedat its posterior end 120.

Electrode 130 comprises an anterior end 132 and a posterior end 134, andis seated within second housing member 114. Anterior end 134 ofelectrode 130 is located near second housing element 114 such thatanterior end 34 of electrode 130 extends beyond second housing element114. Electrode 130 is connected to third housing element 116 byinserting posterior end 134 of electrode 130 into third housing member116. Meanwhile, anterior end 136 of second housing member 114 is locatedwithin widened channel 138 contained within first housing member 112.Anterior end 132 of electrode 130 extends out beyond anterior end 140 offirst housing member 112.

The configuration of second housing member 114 containing electrode 130and first housing member 112 allows for the retraction of electrode 130when suction and/or irrigation is desired during electro surgery. An “O”ring is installed at anterior end 136 of second housing member 114 toprevent gas from escaping during laparoscopy. “O” ring 142 also preventssecond housing member 114 and first housing member 112 from separatingduring the procedure in that “O” ring 142 will lodge against abutment144 to prevent the separation of first housing member 112 from secondhousing member 114 at the point of greatest retraction. The retractionof electrode 130 is reversed when the operator recommences with electrosurgery.

If the electro surgical connector 110 is used with hand piece 50,described in FIG. 3, contacts 128 are connected to contacts locatedwithin the inside of hand piece 50 to establish electrical contact.Electrode 130 may comprise varying shapes including, but not limited to,a blade shape, a needle shape, and a hook shape. First housing member112 comprises a threaded male connector 146 at its anterior end whichcan be connected to female threaded portion 74 of suction/irrigationconnector (adaptor) 62. If suction/irrigation connector (adaptor) 62 isused, electrode 130 is introduced into posterior end 92 of first hollowtube 88 (shown in FIG. 4B) and exits first hollow tube 88 at opening 98located at its anterior end (shown in FIG. 4B). Electrode 130 may alsobe used with, and introduced into, suction/irrigation tube 100 (see FIG.4C).

Electrode 130 shown in FIG. 5A comprises an S shape bend 148 therebyallowing it to be fixed and centered inside suction/irrigation tube 86or suction/irrigation tube 100. In order to expose anterior end 132 ofelectrode 130 from suction/irrigation tube 86 or 100, first housingmember 116 is pushed forward toward posterior end 150 of first housingmember 112. Conversely, when third housing member 116 is pulled awayfrom posterior end 150 of first housing member 112, anterior end 132 orelectrode 130 will be retracted within suction/irrigation tubing 86 or100 so that suction and/or irrigation can be performed withoutobstruction by anterior end 132 of electrode 130.

FIG. 5B illustrates a top elevational view of a completely constructedhand piece specifically designed for use with the fluid control systemand apparatus of the present invention. Suction/irrigation tube 86 isconnected to suction/irrigation connector (adaptor) 62, which isconnected to electro surgical connector 110, which is in turn connectedto hand piece 50, all being connected in that order. Electrode 130 isinserted through channels contained in suction/irrigation tube 86,suction/irrigation connector (adaptor) 62 and electro surgical connector110, with the anterior end 132 of electrode 130 extending beyond opening98 in suction/irrigation tube 86. As previously described, connector 60is connected to connector 20 (shown in FIG. 2) thereby enabling thespecially designed hand piece unit illustrated in FIG. 5B to work inconjunction with the fluid control system and apparatus of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 2.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed, it will be apparent to those skilled in this art that variousmodifications may be made on these embodiments without departing fromthe spirit of the present invention.

I claim:
 1. A multifunctional handpiece for performing suction andirrigation comprising: an elongated hollow member comprising an outerannular channel and an inner central channel disposed axially withinsaid outer annular channel; and a suction/irrigation adaptor connectedto said elongated hollow member, said suction/irrigation adaptor havinga suction port and an irrigation port wherein said outer annular channelof said elongated hollow member is in fluid communication with saidsuction port and said inner central channel of said elongated hollowmember is in fluid communication with said irrigation port.
 2. Themultifunctional handpiece of claim 1, further comprising: a handpiecemember connected to said suction/irrigation adaptor, said handpiecemember having electrical contacts for activating a suction device and anirrigation device.
 3. The multifunctional handpiece of claim 1, furthercomprising an electrosurgical connector connected to saidsuction/irrigation adaptor, said electrosurgical connector comprising anelectrode which extends from said electrosurgical connector through saidsuction/irrigation adaptor and said elongated hollow member and extendsbeyond said elongated hollow member, said electrode being in electricalcommunication with an electrosurgical generator.
 4. The multifunctionalhandpiece of claim 3, said electrosurgical connector further comprisinga first member fixedly attached to said electrode and a second memberdisposed annularly around said first member, said first member beingslidably received within said second member such that said first membermay be moved from a first position relative to said second member to asecond position relative to said second member, wherein said electrodecan be retracted into said elongated hollow member by moving said firstmember from said first position to said second position.
 5. Amultifunctional handpiece for performing suction and irrigation inconjunction with electrosurgery and laparoscopy comprising: asuction/irrigation adaptor having a suction port and an irrigation port;an elongated hollow member comprising an outer annular channel and aninner central channel disposed within said outer annular channel, saidouter annular channel being in fluid communication with said suctionport and said inner central channel being in fluid communication withsaid irrigation port; and a handpiece member connected to saidsuction/irrigation adaptor, said handpiece member having electricalcontacts for activating a suction device and an irrigation device. 6.The multifunctional handpiece of claim 5, further comprising anelectrosurgical connector connected to said suction/irrigation adaptor,said electrosurgical connector comprising an electrode which extendsfrom said electrosurgical connector through said suction/irrigationadaptor and said inner central channel of said elongated hollow member,and extending beyond said elongated hollow member.